Zastrow is charged with attempted murder, aggravated malicious wounding, possession of a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. He is being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail without bond.

Police said Zastrow was arrested after investigators talked with people who attended what began as a private birthday party at the America's Best Inn on Richmond Road the evening of Dec. 11. Originally planned for between 30 and 40 guests, the party grew as word got out by text message and the Internet, Sloggie said.

About 11 p.m., city police officers patrolling the area observed a fight in progress involving about 100 people in the motel parking lot. At its peak, the melee grew to include more than 200 people from all over the Peninsula, Sloggie said.

During the brawl, an officer was kicked in the back, a juvenile was arrested for disorderly conduct and police found an 18-year-old James City man had been stabbed multiple times. The victim suffered a punctured lung, but has been released from the hospital and is recovering, Sloggie said.

Police believe the fracas was touched off by a dance-floor dispute between two rival "groups," Sloggie said. Why the fight began and what caused it to escalate are still under investigation, Sloggie said.

More arrests are expected as police gather further information on possible suspects in both the stabbing incident and the larger fight, Sloggie said.